UK forward Julius Randle celebrates during the Wildcats' recent game against the Tennessee during the first half at Rupp Arena.

Written by

Jonathan Lintner
| The Courier-Journal

Already contenders for the Wooden Award, Louisville's Russ Smith and Kentucky's Julius Randle are also among players named to college basketball's other noted player of the year recognition.

Both the senior U of L guard and freshman UK forward made the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List released Thursday by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. Leading contenders will be whittled to finalists in March before the entire USBWA membership votes on a winner.

The 23-player watch list is headlined by Creighton's Doug McDermott, a USBWA All-American last season, along with ...